December 26, 2011

Nuggets pounding the Mavs, 69-42, at the half

DALLAS _ In a scene that looks all too familiar, the Denver Nuggets are pounding the Dallas Mavericks at halfitme, 69-42.

The Nuggets are having a layup drill and dunkfest similar to what the Miami Heat enjoyed against the Mavs in Sunday's regular season opener. Miami led the Mavs, 62-41, at the half and by as much as 35 points in the third period before settling for a 105-94 victory.

Denver is shooting a healthy 57.4 percent from the field (27-of-47) to 42.1 percent for the Mavs (16-of-38). The Nuggets are also winning the battle of the boards, 26-15, and just looks like the fresher team.

Ty Lawson leads Denver with 21 points on 8-of-9 baskets, including 3-of-4 three-pointers. Andre Miller and Al Harrington each has 14 points for the Nuggets.

Dirk Nowitzki leads the Mavs with 10 points.

This is a back-to-backer for the Mavs, who looked gassed, while the this is the season opener for the Nuggets.